News Summary
Tennessee High School has been awarded the Anne Dallas Dudley Gold Award for achieving 100% voter registration among its eligible students. This achievement, recognized by the Tennessee Secretary of State, highlights the school’s dedication to encouraging civic participation. The school has received this honor for two consecutive years, showcasing its commitment to political engagement among students and the importance of being informed citizens. The award not only celebrates the school’s efforts but also reflects a growing awareness of voting among young individuals statewide.
Bristol, Tennessee – Tennessee High School has been recognized for achieving 100% voter registration among its eligible students. This honor was awarded on May 12, 2025, by Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett, who presented the Anne Dallas Dudley Gold Award for Voter Registration. The award serves to honor schools that successfully register all eligible students to vote, underscoring the vital role of civic participation in democracy.
This marks the second consecutive year that Tennessee High School has received this prestigious award. The recognition highlights not only the school’s commitment to encouraging students to engage with the electoral process but also reflects a growing culture of political awareness among young individuals.
Andrew Cross, a government and economics teacher at Tennessee High, pointed out the significance of this achievement. He stated that it demonstrates the political engagement of students and their preparedness for active civic participation. This accomplishment fosters a sense of responsibility and involvement in the democratic process, encouraging students to make informed decisions about their rights and duties as citizens.
Additionally, senior student ambassador Anna Grace Hodges expressed pride in the award’s implications, indicating that it illustrates the positive influence that students can have on their community regarding the essential nature of voting. This sentiment resonates with the program’s objective, which is to increase voter registration among students who will be 18 or older by the time of the next election.
On the same day, two other high schools in Sevier County, Northview Senior Academy and Sevier County High School, also received the Anne Dallas Dudley Gold Award. The growing number of schools striving for this recognition shows a concerted effort to educate students on the importance of voting.
The Anne Dallas Dudley Gold Award, alongside a silver-level award for schools registering 85% of eligible students, aims to motivate high schools across Tennessee to engage students in the democratic process. In total, 59 high schools across the state were recognized in 2025, with 41 receiving the gold-level award while 18 earned silver recognition.
Among the recipients of gold awards in East Tennessee were notable institutions such as Clinch School and Grainger High School. Meanwhile, schools including Alvin C. York Agricultural Institute, Happy Valley High School, Sullivan East High School, and Tellico Plains High School were among those awarded silver status.
Secretary Hargett highlighted the fundamental importance of voting as a primary means for citizens to participate in government. He commended all participating students for their efforts in inspiring their communities and actively engaging in the democratic process. By fostering a generation of informed voters, schools contribute to the health and vitality of the democratic system.
The award is named after Anne Dallas Dudley, a notable Tennessee suffragist who played a significant role in the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. This historical connection further enhances the relevance of the award today, symbolizing a commitment to civic duty and equitable access to the democratic process.
As Tennessee High School and others continue to promote voter registration among students, their efforts serve as a reminder of the critical role education plays in shaping informed, responsible citizens ready to participate in their communities for years to come.
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Additional Resources
- WJHL: Tennessee High School Receives Gold Award for Voter Registration
- Google Search: Tennessee high school voter registration
- WATE: Two Sevier County Schools Honored for 100% Voter Registration
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Voter Registration
- Tennessee Lookout: East Tennessee Republican Weighs Voter Rights Restoration Bill
- Google News: Voter Rights Tennessee
- Tennessseean: Election 2024: Tennessee When Polls Open, Where to Vote, What to Bring
- Google Scholar: Voter Registration Tennessee
